Alot harder that I thought

I am 28 and have sick sinus syndrome, was admitted for a pacemaker on the 16th July. Everything went well. the most pain i had was the initial cut site and the excruciating shoulder and back pain from not being able to rest on my sides or stomach.
The first week of recovery was a bit hard, i was blessed to have my mother with me to help me bath and get dressed and make food for me while i was recovering. Bed rest is key here. The second week I had to go back to work and it was difficult, I had to wear a sling every day and night to stop lifting my arm. eventually I removed it and tried to remember to not lift it. I had extreme bad dizziness this morning, I was very concerned as this was a worse kind of dizzy than i had prior to my surgery. i'm not sure if my BP was low but as soon as i ate something sugary, i felt a bit better. Was wondering if the dizziness is normal?
I have another question, does anyone also suffer from shoulder and back pain and when did you feel ok to rest on your sides again?
I decided to join a support group for people living with PM's because it takes one to know one if you get what i mean. overall family and friend supoort has been amazing but its kind of hard to relate to someone when they cant feel what you feel. I think i've pretty much hit a bit of depression and i'm at war with myself over this PM! the device feels strange under my skin and i'm getting annoyed with the feeling of this block in me. when does it actually feel normal again?

Hope someone can offer support :-(

4 Comments

Lightheaded

by donsabi - 2015-07-30 03:07:31

PM implant 7/24. My shoulder and chest are uncomfortable too but not more than I expected. I am using acetaminophen for the discomfort. Today I am slightly lightheaded. My BP is normal, no temp., but still have a running nose and lung congestion. Met with my GP yesterday who prescribed an inhaler for my respiratory issues, but I am still getting mucus from my lungs. I spoke to my cardio's nurse and told me what I am experiencing is not related to my PM.
I ask the same question as the OP. Is lightheartedness normal after PM surgery?

Adjustment to PM

by Theknotguy - 2015-07-30 08:07:40

Adjustment to PM can take on different forms. Dizziness can be normal. If your heart rate was running low prior to the PM and they've set your rate higher, one of the effects can be dizziness. Post PM I had all sorts of weird stuff going on. But then again, I had a lot more trauma than most.

Dizziness can be caused by the PM. I have a Medtronic with a accelerometer. The dog likes to play tug with a rope. If I forget, hold the rope in my left hand, and the dog shakes the rope real hard, it activates the accelerometer, which kicks up my heart rate, and I'll get dizzy. I do volunteer work in a woodshop. If I use some of the equipment with my left arm, vibrations from the equipment sometimes kicks off the accelerometer in my Medtronic and I get dizzy. Even with the PM, if I crouch down, then stand up quickly, I still get dizzy. Just having the PM doesn't mean you won't get dizzy at times.

I had a lot of shoulder and back pain post PM. For me it was mostly because the hospital beds got me all kinked up. I see a licensed massage therapist to take care of the shoulder and back pain. AngrySparrow, another member on the forum, had problems with a massage therapist and doesn't recommend them. My massage therapist has done a wonderful job. Your decision as to who you might see.

It isn't unusual to be at odds with yourself after you have the PM. That's a pretty normal reaction. After all, someone has cut open your chest, put a foreign object in there, then told you you'll need it for the rest of your life. Sometimes it can take a while for the mind to get wrapped around that idea. Per things I've said here, it took me about five months. I'm approaching the two year mark and there are still times I can't believe what happened and how I got the PM.

Some people don't feel the PM. One person I know personally doesn't feel his PM and doesn't even know the brand. He's very happy that way. It was five months for me before I got out of my car, walked across a parking lot, then realized I hadn't thought about the PM. AngrySparrow and I always know we have our device and can always feel it. Since it's keeping me alive, it's kinda comforting to know it's there. Now there are times I forget I even have the device. Sometimes that gets me into trouble when I do something I'm not supposed to. Also, as your PM wound heals, it will be less sensitive, and you won't be reminded as often. So it's an individual thing as to when you might forget about having the PM.

You'll want to keep track of the arrythmias. I have afib a lot, and the PM by itself doesn't help with the afib. Some models of the Medtronic PM's have a software program called APP (Atrial Preference Pacing) which might mitigate afib sessions. I had APP turned on at five months and it has helped me. But that doesn't mean you need it, nor does it mean it will help in your situation. But knowing about it and discussing it with your EP may give you a better understanding as to what is going on.

One other thing to consider. It's been almost two years since I got my PM. I had a lot of trauma before I got the PM so my recovery took a lot longer. Prior to having the PM I was putting in four to five hours a day at the woodshop. I'm back to putting in four to five hours. And, when I get home I don't immediately fall asleep after I've had my shower to clean up. So I'm better than 100% of what I had before even with my heart problems and with my PM. The PM, in and of itself, isn't a hindrance.

I hope something I've written here has helped you. Hoping things continue to go well for you.

forgot to mention...

by Pinkshirlz - 2015-07-30 11:07:45

The reason i had to have a PM was because the doc picked up on a 24 hour monitor that while i was asleep, my heart was 20 BPM, which was pretty bad! and to make matters worse, a month ago I collapsed at work with seriously fast arrythmia palpatations that refused to cease after 20 minutes! was rushed to ICU and thats where it all began!

thanks

by Pinkshirlz - 2015-07-31 10:07:09

Thanks for the detailed response, I much appreciate it. Feels better to know that i'm getting advice from someone who has had it and experienced all the nitty gritty that comes with a PM.

Fortunately I have a desk job which doesnt require too much heavy work but it definitely has been a challenge to get through a full day withouht having a nap here and there.

I too am looking forward to the day when i actually forget i've got little sparky in my chest here. I guess naming my PM means i've bonded with it. Looks like the recovery and acceptance has started to develop slowly.

I was thinking about seeing a massage therapist but i'm a little concerned about resting on my belly since the op. the most i've done is sleep on my sides for a short while before the aching begins. would 2 weeks post PM surgery be the right time to start relaxing on my belly again?
I am weary about lifting my arm too high for now, so i'm really taking it easy.

oh and one last thing, i've been using vitamin e oil on the scar so it seems to have gotten better looking, not volunteering on a part for the walking dead series anytime soon.

I appreaciate the advice and time taken to respond. Thank you, I do feel uplifted

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